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Transcript20 lines

[00:00]
A
It is time. It's time for Landon Williams callous to announce where he's going to college. Texas is in the mix. We'll break down the recruitment as we head into announcement day here on this latest edition of on Texas Football brought to you by Price Picks. I'm Jeff Howe joined by Jerry Hamilton and Jordan Scruggs. Jerry, we've got a date, we've got a time, we've got a location when Landon Williams callous is going to make the call. Give us the lay of the land, Jerry heading into announcement day.
[00:26]
B
Yeah. Well this is going to be a really big Saturday coming up in Richmond Rosenberg area. Obvious Landon Williams ca we've talked about it. He's a hometown hero there. But it goes even beyond Landon Williams cast and we'll get into a few minutes into the show kind of where he's at in the Texas record books and why he is, who he has become in the area. But look, Michael Lewis obviously an uncle and a serving as a mentor in in this recruitment, you know, very help, help. Helping him and the family through this recruitment was a start. Lamar Consolidated and at Colorado and an all pro in the NFL. Obviously Jacquiz and James Rogers, he's related to those guys. Jacquiz and James real hometown heroes as well at Lamar Consolidated. Led Lamar Consolidated deep playoff run. Shaquille's Rogers is in those record books that we'll be looking at coming up. So it's a family affair in Richmond Rosenberg and obviously with Landon Williams Callis, he's the one that's gone to Richmond. Randall, the new school did not go to Lamar Consolidated. But this is a really big deal in the community coming up Saturday and that's going to be around 6:45 which probably means announce around 7. It's going to air on Dave Campbell's Texas Football YouTube channel, which it should. He is the first player on the insert of Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine as a high school running back since Cedric Benson. I mean that's a really big deal for Landon Williams callous and his family. And also this will take place at the Rosenberg Civic center which means there's going to be a few hundred people there for this announcement. So it's going to be a really big deal In Richmond Rosenberg Saturday 6:45 is about the start time when Landon Williams callous will announce its decision at the Rosenberg Civic center on Texas football will be there. I'll be there representing on Texas football. We've been in a lot of announcements. Jordan has been at multiple announcements this summer with this 2027 recruiting class I've been at, a couple recovered them live. This will be no different on Texas football. Will be on site at the Rosenberg Civic Center Saturday night.
[02:35]
A
Bonus if he picks Texas Longhorn fans who haven't bought Dave Campbell's Texas football for this year because Texas Tech got the COVID he picks Texas. Now, you have a reason because that gatefold cover, you can just kind of fold it over, maneuver it however you want and just pretend the Red Raiders are on the front. Jordan, when you look at this recruitment, you've chronicled this pretty well. Texas early, early on with Tashard Choice leading the recruitment was probably out in front. It fell off when he went to the NFL and Texas hired Chad Scott. But Jordan, how did Texas get back in the mix and to the point where we may be able to call them the favorite going into decision day. How did we get to this point?
[03:12]
C
A lot of it I will have to say is Jabarja Luke. But I also want to give, you know, credit to the entire operation for even putting themselves in this position where they have a chance come August 1st, Saturday, whenever, you know, he picks up a hat. I I went out to Randall in February and I spoke with Lane Williams cows for a long time and I asked him like, hey, based on what you're saying, kind of seems like Texas behind kind of what are the reasons for that. He brought up the running back coach thing and said, hey, if there's a revolving door, I know it's not going to be like this every year, but this is a good program. Running back coaches are going to be leaving. I need to have relationships with the rest of the staff. My family has to have relationships with the rest of the staff and we don't have that right now like we do at other schools. That's what he told me. And since then I think that's changed. Brandon Harris, Steve Sarkeesian, Jabarja Luke, obviously Chris Gilbert, Jamal Fenner. There's a lot of different people involved in this one. And I remembered when Texas opened up spring ball this year, the very first practice media was allowed to be. There was media availability. We're seeing Landon Williams callous walk around with Jamal Fenner with Chris Gilbert. He's watching the running backs getting coached up, hearing from Jabarja Luke, his assistant, I believe it's Christian Gray is his name. Like this is a whole team effort here that that has gone into this, that has given Texas a chance come August 1st. So it's been a long time coming. Landon Williams callous I like to bring this up a lot. He's been getting recruited so long the Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher offered him when he was going into his freshman year. That's how long Landon Williams cows has been getting recruited for. Picked up his first offer in the spring of his seventh grade year and enrolled in high school with about a dozen offers to his name including Alabama, Texas A M. Like I just brought up so long time coming like Jerry said and I don't think we can say enough. This is a huge deal in, in his area where he's from, his hometown, Rosenberg, Richmond area and I mean he's the reason anyone really knows that Richmond Randall High School exists and he's brought them to state two times in a row. So Bobby said it as well. He could very well be the most popular player to come out of Houston since Vince Young. I think there are a lot of things that have gone into the popularity. He's obviously a great player but he's also been getting recruited for four or five years now. So world class prospect and one that I think could make a lot of Texas fans happy on Saturday if he picks up the burnt orange hat.
[05:39]
A
Jerry, this, this two back class potentially for Texas, it really became a reality after Landon Williams callous made his official visit. When we started hearing hey Texas has a real shot here. Before that though, Jerry, this was a class where Texas had a back and they have a back in Noah Roberts who they love and if it doesn't go their way on Saturday, Jerry, I think they, they love the one back they've got. What are we looking at Jerry, in terms of obviously if he commits it is a tremendous two back class but if it goes Texas A and M or SMU's way or anybody else, what does the running back outlook suddenly look like?
[06:16]
B
Yeah, I think, I think what's interesting about the that question Jeff is. Well let's start with the if they get him Landon Williams callous Saturday. Noah Roberts is a tremendous running back, right? I mean early on he had Notre Dame, he had Oregon, he had a number of schools after him. He committed to Texas pretty early on for a lot of prospects in this class. Texas got that done early on. When you consider the summer, summer June official visits, they got that done before. So if they add LWC to that group, to this to make it a two back class. Look, I think this is the combination of both guys being really good out of the backfield, maybe as good as they've had in a class as receivers out of the backfield. Now that's not what Landon Williams callous does number one, two or three, but he's just really talented at it. He's really good football player. He's very instinctive. He's very natural at the position. He can play out of the backfield. He's. He's caught 20 plus pass I believe three years in a row.
[07:15]
C
And plays lots of seven on. Seven.
[07:18]
A
Yeah.
[07:18]
B
And plays lots of. He plays a lot of seven on. He's very active kid. I think what it does is the number one thing it would do is if you get two backs in this class, you probably only look at one in the portal because you lose Hollywood Smothers, you lose Raleigh Brow to the NFL after this year. Will all the guys. Will all the high school recruited guys to Texas come back? We'll see. Right? There's a. We haven't even played a snap this season law ever just tell you somebody's transferring out after this year? More than likely. But that's kind of speculation. Maybe everybody stays just what we know about college football right now is you're likely to lose somebody to the portal. Just look at past Texas running back rooms. So what it does is it gives you two extremely talented high school backs that fit Sark scheme. They have the versatility and if Derek Cooper is as good as we think he can be as a freshman at Texas, then that gives you a really solid group of guys and, and I think guys who could be instant contributors for you. So I think it takes the pressure off. Go get two guys in the portal at running backs. What it does because that's not the situation you want to be in every year. You want to be in a scenario where you go get one right to kind of balance out your room. Maybe feel a need at that running back position. It may be a power back. I mean who. Who knows, right? We'll see where that goes. If Texas doesn't get Landon Williams callous, I think that kind of changes the calculus on the portal. Assuming everything happens that we talked about earlier in the show. So I think it really, that's what it really affects more than anything else is what, what Texas plan B postseason in the transfer portal. If you get Landon Williams callous to go with Noah Roberts again. And by the way, what one thing we know will happen in recruiting is if Landon Williams callous commits to Texas on Saturday and it's still if he's got it, he's got to go up there and announce a decision. A M's making a late run. Everybody's going to try to make a late run leading up to this Saturday decision that's still in the game one. And I mentioned before A M, one thing we do know is it happens in recruiting, right? If Landon Williams callous does pick Texas on Saturday, other schools are going to call Noah Roberts. I mean, yeah, does Oregon have a running back in this class? Who are some of the schools that run Noah Roberts before and what is their, what are their running back classes look like? That's the one thing we do know. So Tech, if Landon Williams calls picks Texas, Texas staff will have to navigate then people trying to come back in on Noah Roberts. So there's a lot of things at play with this decision Saturday for this Texas staff. What does that running back room begin to look like in 2027 season? How does that affect what you look like? Look at the portal. And then you're also probably going to have to battle to keep two running backs in this class and sign both in December.
[10:12]
D
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[11:47]
A
Jordan, we mentioned it a couple of times. Landon Williams, catalyst kind of his assault on the Texas high school football record books. No matter where you're talking about single season records, career records, it was really fun when Jonathan Gray was committed to Texas and watching him make his ascent and shoot for some of these records and obviously he's still there. Jordan put this in terms of just historic context. Like what kind of if he picks Texas in terms of the pecking order of great high school running backs, what are we talking about here?
[12:20]
C
Well, Dave Campbell's Texas Football this summer they did a series that had top 10 players all time at each position. They didn't do any active players, but they did say running back. That is position that has an active player that will one day be on there. And his name is Landon Williams. Callous. So where could he end up? I'm not sure. Obviously you want him to stay healthy. One thing I think that needs to be brought up whenever anyone's talking about his senior year and chasing the record books. Randall has been playing five AD2 competition the last three years. That matters because they will make a deep playoff run. As long as Landon Williams calls is healthy 5 ad 1 compared to 5 ad 2, it is more difficult. He has to go through Smithson Valley and Ty Knutson to get to the state championship game this year. And on the other side he'll end up playing DeSoto or it'll very likely be DeSoto in the 581 state title game instead of South Oak Cliff. So could potentially be playing 1314 games instead of 16 like he has the last two years. That could have an effect. But he is on his way into. I mean he already is in the conversation for best all time Texas high school football running back. He'll cement his name in the conversation I think with the senior year, especially if he stays on pace each year from his freshman to sophomore to junior year. Not only is his carries gone up, the yards per carry, the total rushing production, touchdowns, everything. So there's so much to like here. I always love getting to cover these historically great players. Jermaine Bishop was one last year, finished his career as the all time leader in the Houston area receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, reception. So love that. Texas under Steve Sarkeesian has always produced kind of these high School superstars Landon Williams callous is very much one of them. And another stat that isn't on the screen but I wanted to bring up as a junior he scored 60 rushing and receiving touchdowns. The entire other Randall team scored 50 across 10 other players. Fifty rushing and receiving touchdowns. Lane and Williams cow said 60. It's about 55%. So this guy, he always finds the end zone and you know, one of the rare prospects where he checks every single box really besides height, but is such an outlier in the other things that it kind of makes you overlook that. So a lot to love about him and looking forward to another great senior campaign.
[14:42]
B
Jordan forgot one thing though. One of his. He, he plays at Friendswood for Friends with homecoming. He may break the record that night as a Friends of graduate.
[14:53]
A
Yeah, I'll, I'll let you take that up.600.
[14:56]
B
He might get it in that game.
[14:58]
A
Yeah. Direct your questions to now you can, I'm just ribbing Jerry. But Jerry, let's as we go ahead and wrap this up here, final thoughts and for you and Jordan both. Jerry, I'll start with you. Who gets Landon Williams callous on Saturday when he makes the call? Is it Texas? Is it Texas A M? Is it smu? Call your shot on where he's going.
[15:19]
B
I'm picking. You get that? I'm gonna pick Texas. Guys, I look I, I think there's late movement and all these recruitments, right? But I, I think Texas I I if I'm, if we're wrong, we're wrong. I keep going back to one thing that I heard post Texas visit was that people in his circle could envision him being the next great Texas running back at the University of Texas. I I that stuck with me. Maybe it ends up not mattering in the nil day and age, but I do think there's some very experienced football people who have been very successful in football around this recruitment and they, they think about this in terms of some legacy type scenarios for Landon Williams callous. I mean look at where he's at in Richmond Rosenberg right now.
[16:12]
A
No doubt to your point, Jerry, it's always great to look at that career rushing record book, that chart there in Texas high school football. Still see Cedric Benson's name on there, knowing what he meant to high school football in the state into the University of Texas. Jordan, go ahead and call your shot. Where does Landon Williams callous end up at the end of the day on Saturday?
[16:31]
C
Hard to, to not like the Longhorns, especially since that'll be like Jerry brought up. Can see himself there. And I, I do think too he made a great point with the legacy factor of being a great or an all time Texas high school football player that goes and wears the burnt orange. Think about your quiz, Rogers. Like, like I, I'm a college football sicko myself. I have a group chat where the profile photo is Jacquiz Rogers at Oregon State. Whenever Texas offered Landon, I showed him that. I'm like, hey, big fan your cousin. Like he's kind of a cult hero for college football fans. Imagine if he played at Texas, had the career he had at Oregon State of Texas. Yeah, he's not Ricky Williams, Earl Campbell, but you know, he's a player that's remembered forever. So I think that's something that really matters. I always love when Jerry brings that up because like I said, I think it's something that really matters. But so much work has been put into this by the Texas staff. Jabarjo Luke, the last few months. They are very financially competitive and they're not like that for everyone. So anytime you hear that, it kind of makes your ears perk up. Feel a little bit better about the Longhorns chances. So a lot to like about the prospects. A lot, a lot to like about the prospects chances of ending up in Austin. And like I said, I like Texas.
[17:41]
A
6:30 Saturday night, that's when we find out Texas has done a lot of work to get to this point to get in the mix. And we'll see if the Longhorns can can break the tape across the finish line and wind up with one of the top prospects in the country in the class of 2027 when the dust settles, Jerry Jordan. Thank you guys for the time, the knowledge, the intel, the expertise. As always, big thank you to Matthew behind the Scenes for producing it. Thank you to Prize Picks for sponsoring this edition of On Texas Football. If you want the best recruiting coverage in the Texas market, you can get it over on Texas football dot com. If you're not over on the site, make sure you get over there. Check out everything we've got going on. Make sure that you like this video. Make sure you're subscribed to the on Texas Football YouTube channel and make sure you got your notifications set, especially for Saturday because anyt time we go live or drop a new video, you're not going to miss any of our Longhorn coverage or breaking news for Jerry, for Jordan, for Matthew, for the entire On Texas Football staff, I'm Jeff Howell. Thank you so much for watching and listening and until next time,

Summary5 min read

On Texas Football — Episode Summary

Episode Title: Is Landen Williams-Callis Trending Texas? | Steve Sarkisian | Longhorns Football
Host: Jeff Howe
Guests: Jerry Hamilton, Jordan Scruggs
Original Air Date: July 30, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode is centered on the imminent college decision of Landen Williams-Callis, one of the most celebrated high school running backs in Texas. The panel breaks down his recruitment, the significance of his choice for Texas and his local community, and what his commitment (or lack thereof) would mean for the Longhorns’ 2027 running back room. The conversation is rich with historical context, recruiting dynamics, and insight into Texas’s strategy under Steve Sarkisian.

Key Topics & Discussions

1. Setting the Stage: Landen Williams-Callis’ Decision Day (00:00–02:34)

Announcement Details:
- Decision: Saturday, 6:45 PM at Rosenberg Civic Center (Richmond-Rosenberg area)
- Broadcast: Dave Campbell’s Texas Football YouTube
- Community Impact: “It’s a really big deal in the community… there’s gonna be a few hundred people there for this announcement.” — Jerry Hamilton (01:45)
Williams-Callis’ Status:
- Local legend, first player on Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine insert as a high school RB since Cedric Benson
- Family ties: Related to local football heroes Jacquizz and James Rogers

“He is the first player on the insert of Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine as a high school running back since Cedric Benson. I mean, that's a really big deal...” — Jerry Hamilton (01:30)

2. How Texas Got Back in Contention (03:11–05:38)

Recruitment Shifts:
- Texas led early with Tashard Choice, dropped off after Choice went to the NFL, and came back with Chad Scott’s hiring.
- Collective recruiting effort: Multiple Texas staffers (Brandon Harris, Steve Sarkisian, Jabarja Luke, Chris Gilbert, Jamal Fenner) rebuilt relationships.
Williams-Callis’ Perspective:
- Early official offers from Alabama, Texas A&M as early as 7th grade
- “I need to have relationships with the rest of the staff. My family has to have relationships.” — Williams-Callis, as relayed by Jordan Scruggs (03:40)
- Elevated profile: “He could very well be the most popular player to come out of Houston since Vince Young.” — Jordan Scruggs (05:00)

3. Texas Running Back Room Scenarios (05:38–10:11)

Current Commit:
- Noah Roberts: Already committed, highly regarded
Potential Two-Back Class:
- “If they add LWC…this is the combination of both guys being really good out of the backfield, maybe as good as they've had in a class as receivers out of the backfield.” — Jerry Hamilton (06:35)
- Williams-Callis: “He’s just really talented at it. He's very instinctive. He's very natural at the position. He can play out of the backfield. He's. He's caught 20 plus pass I believe three years in a row.” — Jerry Hamilton (06:45)
Recruiting & Transfer Portal Dynamics:
- Two high school RBs mean Texas likely only needs one portal addition next offseason.
- If Williams-Callis commits, expect other programs to pursue Noah Roberts aggressively; Texas must fight to keep both commits through signing day.
Room Turnover:
- Departures (Hollywood Smothers, Raleigh Brow to NFL), potential transfers add uncertainty

4. Historic Context: Williams-Callis in the Record Books (11:46–14:41)

Statistical Dominance:
- “As a junior he scored 60 rushing and receiving touchdowns. The entire other Randall team scored 50 across 10 other players.” — Jordan Scruggs (13:38)
- Williams-Callis’ consistent production increase every year; possibly the best high school RB since Vince Young
Challenges in 2026:
- Moving up a classification, facing tougher competition and potentially fewer games
Legacy:
- “He already is in the conversation for best all-time Texas high school football running back.” — Jordan Scruggs (12:47)
Memorable Stat:
- “This guy, he always finds the end zone and you know, one of the rare prospects where he checks every single box really besides height...” — Jordan Scruggs (14:02)

5. Staff Predictions: Where Does Williams-Callis Land? (14:57–17:41)

Jerry Hamilton:
- Picks Texas: “I think Texas… people in his circle could envision him being the next great Texas running back at the University of Texas. That stuck with me.” (15:19)
Jordan Scruggs:
- Also picks Texas, emphasizing the legacy factor and Texas’s relentless recruiting push and NIL competitiveness.
- “So much work has been put into this by the Texas staff... so anytime you hear that, it kind of makes your ears perk up. Feel a little bit better about the Longhorns' chances.” (16:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Jerry Hamilton on Community Significance:
“It's a really big deal in the community coming up Saturday...a few hundred people there for this announcement.” (01:45)
Jordan Scruggs on Recruitment:
“This is a whole team effort here that has gone into this, that has given Texas a chance come August 1st.” (04:16)
Jordan Scruggs on Historic Comparisons:
“He could very well be the most popular player to come out of Houston since Vince Young.” (05:00)
Stat Line Highlight:
“As a junior he scored 60 rushing and receiving touchdowns. The entire other Randall team scored 50 across 10 other players.” (13:38)
Legacy Factor:
“People in his circle could envision him being the next great Texas running back at the University of Texas. That stuck with me.” — Jerry Hamilton (15:19) “They are very financially competitive and they're not like that for everyone. So anytime you hear that, it kind of makes your ears perk up.” — Jordan Scruggs (16:52)

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:00–02:34 — Intro, Announcement Details, Community Importance
03:11–05:38 — Texas’ Path Back in the Recruitment
05:38–10:11 — Running Back Room Scenarios & Recruiting/Portal Impact
11:46–14:41 — Williams-Callis’ Record Book Assault & Legacy Prospects
14:57–17:41 — Staff Predictions, Legacy, and Final Thoughts

Episode Takeaways

Landen Williams-Callis’ decision is a focal point for Texas recruiting, both as a symbol of legacy and a key piece in shaping the future of the Longhorns’ backfield.
Texas, despite ups and downs in recruiting ties, has mounted a formidable collective effort to secure his commitment.
Williams-Callis stands as a generational talent in high school football, with statistical dominance and unprecedented recruitment longevity.
Staff consensus leans toward Texas as his likely destination, citing legacy potential and Texas’s aggressive (including financial) effort.
The outcome will reverberate through the Texas high school and college football landscape, with additional implications for roster management and future recruiting battles.

For the latest updates on Williams-Callis’ announcement and more Texas recruiting news, follow On Texas Football and check the evening of Saturday, August 1st for live coverage.

Loading summary

Transcript20 lines

[00:00]
A
It is time. It's time for Landon Williams callous to announce where he's going to college. Texas is in the mix. We'll break down the recruitment as we head into announcement day here on this latest edition of on Texas Football brought to you by Price Picks. I'm Jeff Howe joined by Jerry Hamilton and Jordan Scruggs. Jerry, we've got a date, we've got a time, we've got a location when Landon Williams callous is going to make the call. Give us the lay of the land, Jerry heading into announcement day.
[00:26]
B
Yeah. Well this is going to be a really big Saturday coming up in Richmond Rosenberg area. Obvious Landon Williams ca we've talked about it. He's a hometown hero there. But it goes even beyond Landon Williams cast and we'll get into a few minutes into the show kind of where he's at in the Texas record books and why he is, who he has become in the area. But look, Michael Lewis obviously an uncle and a serving as a mentor in in this recruitment, you know, very help, help. Helping him and the family through this recruitment was a start. Lamar Consolidated and at Colorado and an all pro in the NFL. Obviously Jacquiz and James Rogers, he's related to those guys. Jacquiz and James real hometown heroes as well at Lamar Consolidated. Led Lamar Consolidated deep playoff run. Shaquille's Rogers is in those record books that we'll be looking at coming up. So it's a family affair in Richmond Rosenberg and obviously with Landon Williams Callis, he's the one that's gone to Richmond. Randall, the new school did not go to Lamar Consolidated. But this is a really big deal in the community coming up Saturday and that's going to be around 6:45 which probably means announce around 7. It's going to air on Dave Campbell's Texas Football YouTube channel, which it should. He is the first player on the insert of Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine as a high school running back since Cedric Benson. I mean that's a really big deal for Landon Williams callous and his family. And also this will take place at the Rosenberg Civic center which means there's going to be a few hundred people there for this announcement. So it's going to be a really big deal In Richmond Rosenberg Saturday 6:45 is about the start time when Landon Williams callous will announce its decision at the Rosenberg Civic center on Texas football will be there. I'll be there representing on Texas football. We've been in a lot of announcements. Jordan has been at multiple announcements this summer with this 2027 recruiting class I've been at, a couple recovered them live. This will be no different on Texas football. Will be on site at the Rosenberg Civic Center Saturday night.
[02:35]
A
Bonus if he picks Texas Longhorn fans who haven't bought Dave Campbell's Texas football for this year because Texas Tech got the COVID he picks Texas. Now, you have a reason because that gatefold cover, you can just kind of fold it over, maneuver it however you want and just pretend the Red Raiders are on the front. Jordan, when you look at this recruitment, you've chronicled this pretty well. Texas early, early on with Tashard Choice leading the recruitment was probably out in front. It fell off when he went to the NFL and Texas hired Chad Scott. But Jordan, how did Texas get back in the mix and to the point where we may be able to call them the favorite going into decision day. How did we get to this point?
[03:12]
C
A lot of it I will have to say is Jabarja Luke. But I also want to give, you know, credit to the entire operation for even putting themselves in this position where they have a chance come August 1st, Saturday, whenever, you know, he picks up a hat. I I went out to Randall in February and I spoke with Lane Williams cows for a long time and I asked him like, hey, based on what you're saying, kind of seems like Texas behind kind of what are the reasons for that. He brought up the running back coach thing and said, hey, if there's a revolving door, I know it's not going to be like this every year, but this is a good program. Running back coaches are going to be leaving. I need to have relationships with the rest of the staff. My family has to have relationships with the rest of the staff and we don't have that right now like we do at other schools. That's what he told me. And since then I think that's changed. Brandon Harris, Steve Sarkeesian, Jabarja Luke, obviously Chris Gilbert, Jamal Fenner. There's a lot of different people involved in this one. And I remembered when Texas opened up spring ball this year, the very first practice media was allowed to be. There was media availability. We're seeing Landon Williams callous walk around with Jamal Fenner with Chris Gilbert. He's watching the running backs getting coached up, hearing from Jabarja Luke, his assistant, I believe it's Christian Gray is his name. Like this is a whole team effort here that that has gone into this, that has given Texas a chance come August 1st. So it's been a long time coming. Landon Williams callous I like to bring this up a lot. He's been getting recruited so long the Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher offered him when he was going into his freshman year. That's how long Landon Williams cows has been getting recruited for. Picked up his first offer in the spring of his seventh grade year and enrolled in high school with about a dozen offers to his name including Alabama, Texas A M. Like I just brought up so long time coming like Jerry said and I don't think we can say enough. This is a huge deal in, in his area where he's from, his hometown, Rosenberg, Richmond area and I mean he's the reason anyone really knows that Richmond Randall High School exists and he's brought them to state two times in a row. So Bobby said it as well. He could very well be the most popular player to come out of Houston since Vince Young. I think there are a lot of things that have gone into the popularity. He's obviously a great player but he's also been getting recruited for four or five years now. So world class prospect and one that I think could make a lot of Texas fans happy on Saturday if he picks up the burnt orange hat.
[05:39]
A
Jerry, this, this two back class potentially for Texas, it really became a reality after Landon Williams callous made his official visit. When we started hearing hey Texas has a real shot here. Before that though, Jerry, this was a class where Texas had a back and they have a back in Noah Roberts who they love and if it doesn't go their way on Saturday, Jerry, I think they, they love the one back they've got. What are we looking at Jerry, in terms of obviously if he commits it is a tremendous two back class but if it goes Texas A and M or SMU's way or anybody else, what does the running back outlook suddenly look like?
[06:16]
B
Yeah, I think, I think what's interesting about the that question Jeff is. Well let's start with the if they get him Landon Williams callous Saturday. Noah Roberts is a tremendous running back, right? I mean early on he had Notre Dame, he had Oregon, he had a number of schools after him. He committed to Texas pretty early on for a lot of prospects in this class. Texas got that done early on. When you consider the summer, summer June official visits, they got that done before. So if they add LWC to that group, to this to make it a two back class. Look, I think this is the combination of both guys being really good out of the backfield, maybe as good as they've had in a class as receivers out of the backfield. Now that's not what Landon Williams callous does number one, two or three, but he's just really talented at it. He's really good football player. He's very instinctive. He's very natural at the position. He can play out of the backfield. He's. He's caught 20 plus pass I believe three years in a row.
[07:15]
C
And plays lots of seven on. Seven.
[07:18]
A
Yeah.
[07:18]
B
And plays lots of. He plays a lot of seven on. He's very active kid. I think what it does is the number one thing it would do is if you get two backs in this class, you probably only look at one in the portal because you lose Hollywood Smothers, you lose Raleigh Brow to the NFL after this year. Will all the guys. Will all the high school recruited guys to Texas come back? We'll see. Right? There's a. We haven't even played a snap this season law ever just tell you somebody's transferring out after this year? More than likely. But that's kind of speculation. Maybe everybody stays just what we know about college football right now is you're likely to lose somebody to the portal. Just look at past Texas running back rooms. So what it does is it gives you two extremely talented high school backs that fit Sark scheme. They have the versatility and if Derek Cooper is as good as we think he can be as a freshman at Texas, then that gives you a really solid group of guys and, and I think guys who could be instant contributors for you. So I think it takes the pressure off. Go get two guys in the portal at running backs. What it does because that's not the situation you want to be in every year. You want to be in a scenario where you go get one right to kind of balance out your room. Maybe feel a need at that running back position. It may be a power back. I mean who. Who knows, right? We'll see where that goes. If Texas doesn't get Landon Williams callous, I think that kind of changes the calculus on the portal. Assuming everything happens that we talked about earlier in the show. So I think it really, that's what it really affects more than anything else is what, what Texas plan B postseason in the transfer portal. If you get Landon Williams callous to go with Noah Roberts again. And by the way, what one thing we know will happen in recruiting is if Landon Williams callous commits to Texas on Saturday and it's still if he's got it, he's got to go up there and announce a decision. A M's making a late run. Everybody's going to try to make a late run leading up to this Saturday decision that's still in the game one. And I mentioned before A M, one thing we do know is it happens in recruiting, right? If Landon Williams callous does pick Texas on Saturday, other schools are going to call Noah Roberts. I mean, yeah, does Oregon have a running back in this class? Who are some of the schools that run Noah Roberts before and what is their, what are their running back classes look like? That's the one thing we do know. So Tech, if Landon Williams calls picks Texas, Texas staff will have to navigate then people trying to come back in on Noah Roberts. So there's a lot of things at play with this decision Saturday for this Texas staff. What does that running back room begin to look like in 2027 season? How does that affect what you look like? Look at the portal. And then you're also probably going to have to battle to keep two running backs in this class and sign both in December.
[10:12]
D
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[11:47]
A
Jordan, we mentioned it a couple of times. Landon Williams, catalyst kind of his assault on the Texas high school football record books. No matter where you're talking about single season records, career records, it was really fun when Jonathan Gray was committed to Texas and watching him make his ascent and shoot for some of these records and obviously he's still there. Jordan put this in terms of just historic context. Like what kind of if he picks Texas in terms of the pecking order of great high school running backs, what are we talking about here?
[12:20]
C
Well, Dave Campbell's Texas Football this summer they did a series that had top 10 players all time at each position. They didn't do any active players, but they did say running back. That is position that has an active player that will one day be on there. And his name is Landon Williams. Callous. So where could he end up? I'm not sure. Obviously you want him to stay healthy. One thing I think that needs to be brought up whenever anyone's talking about his senior year and chasing the record books. Randall has been playing five AD2 competition the last three years. That matters because they will make a deep playoff run. As long as Landon Williams calls is healthy 5 ad 1 compared to 5 ad 2, it is more difficult. He has to go through Smithson Valley and Ty Knutson to get to the state championship game this year. And on the other side he'll end up playing DeSoto or it'll very likely be DeSoto in the 581 state title game instead of South Oak Cliff. So could potentially be playing 1314 games instead of 16 like he has the last two years. That could have an effect. But he is on his way into. I mean he already is in the conversation for best all time Texas high school football running back. He'll cement his name in the conversation I think with the senior year, especially if he stays on pace each year from his freshman to sophomore to junior year. Not only is his carries gone up, the yards per carry, the total rushing production, touchdowns, everything. So there's so much to like here. I always love getting to cover these historically great players. Jermaine Bishop was one last year, finished his career as the all time leader in the Houston area receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, reception. So love that. Texas under Steve Sarkeesian has always produced kind of these high School superstars Landon Williams callous is very much one of them. And another stat that isn't on the screen but I wanted to bring up as a junior he scored 60 rushing and receiving touchdowns. The entire other Randall team scored 50 across 10 other players. Fifty rushing and receiving touchdowns. Lane and Williams cow said 60. It's about 55%. So this guy, he always finds the end zone and you know, one of the rare prospects where he checks every single box really besides height, but is such an outlier in the other things that it kind of makes you overlook that. So a lot to love about him and looking forward to another great senior campaign.
[14:42]
B
Jordan forgot one thing though. One of his. He, he plays at Friendswood for Friends with homecoming. He may break the record that night as a Friends of graduate.
[14:53]
A
Yeah, I'll, I'll let you take that up.600.
[14:56]
B
He might get it in that game.
[14:58]
A
Yeah. Direct your questions to now you can, I'm just ribbing Jerry. But Jerry, let's as we go ahead and wrap this up here, final thoughts and for you and Jordan both. Jerry, I'll start with you. Who gets Landon Williams callous on Saturday when he makes the call? Is it Texas? Is it Texas A M? Is it smu? Call your shot on where he's going.
[15:19]
B
I'm picking. You get that? I'm gonna pick Texas. Guys, I look I, I think there's late movement and all these recruitments, right? But I, I think Texas I I if I'm, if we're wrong, we're wrong. I keep going back to one thing that I heard post Texas visit was that people in his circle could envision him being the next great Texas running back at the University of Texas. I I that stuck with me. Maybe it ends up not mattering in the nil day and age, but I do think there's some very experienced football people who have been very successful in football around this recruitment and they, they think about this in terms of some legacy type scenarios for Landon Williams callous. I mean look at where he's at in Richmond Rosenberg right now.
[16:12]
A
No doubt to your point, Jerry, it's always great to look at that career rushing record book, that chart there in Texas high school football. Still see Cedric Benson's name on there, knowing what he meant to high school football in the state into the University of Texas. Jordan, go ahead and call your shot. Where does Landon Williams callous end up at the end of the day on Saturday?
[16:31]
C
Hard to, to not like the Longhorns, especially since that'll be like Jerry brought up. Can see himself there. And I, I do think too he made a great point with the legacy factor of being a great or an all time Texas high school football player that goes and wears the burnt orange. Think about your quiz, Rogers. Like, like I, I'm a college football sicko myself. I have a group chat where the profile photo is Jacquiz Rogers at Oregon State. Whenever Texas offered Landon, I showed him that. I'm like, hey, big fan your cousin. Like he's kind of a cult hero for college football fans. Imagine if he played at Texas, had the career he had at Oregon State of Texas. Yeah, he's not Ricky Williams, Earl Campbell, but you know, he's a player that's remembered forever. So I think that's something that really matters. I always love when Jerry brings that up because like I said, I think it's something that really matters. But so much work has been put into this by the Texas staff. Jabarjo Luke, the last few months. They are very financially competitive and they're not like that for everyone. So anytime you hear that, it kind of makes your ears perk up. Feel a little bit better about the Longhorns chances. So a lot to like about the prospects. A lot, a lot to like about the prospects chances of ending up in Austin. And like I said, I like Texas.
[17:41]
A
6:30 Saturday night, that's when we find out Texas has done a lot of work to get to this point to get in the mix. And we'll see if the Longhorns can can break the tape across the finish line and wind up with one of the top prospects in the country in the class of 2027 when the dust settles, Jerry Jordan. Thank you guys for the time, the knowledge, the intel, the expertise. As always, big thank you to Matthew behind the Scenes for producing it. Thank you to Prize Picks for sponsoring this edition of On Texas Football. If you want the best recruiting coverage in the Texas market, you can get it over on Texas football dot com. If you're not over on the site, make sure you get over there. Check out everything we've got going on. Make sure that you like this video. Make sure you're subscribed to the on Texas Football YouTube channel and make sure you got your notifications set, especially for Saturday because anyt time we go live or drop a new video, you're not going to miss any of our Longhorn coverage or breaking news for Jerry, for Jordan, for Matthew, for the entire On Texas Football staff, I'm Jeff Howell. Thank you so much for watching and listening and until next time,